Internet Cafe

Well, I had to print out some files from the internet and we don't have a printer at home;  if I was in the United States I could go to a place like Staples and have them print out the files for me, or I could go to a public library and use one of the computers there to print them out, but here in Japan, things are a little different (obviously) and my wife introduced me to this little place called the internet cafe.

Now the first thing that I pictured when hearing the phrase "internet cafe" was a place like Starbucks but with computers; nothing could be further from the truth.

Upon entering the building, the first thing I see is a compact convenience store (if that even makes sense) complete with a clerk behind the counter. You speak to him to rent a "room" and he gives you a room number.

Beyond the mini-convenience store is a large library of manga (comic books) that you can browse through, take and read in your room. After that are narrow aisles with many sliding doors. Locating the correct number on the door, we went inside. It is literally a 5x5 space with cushions. There is a menu where you can order food, drinks, even alcohol, and have it delivered to your room.

Now the weird thing is that you can not only sleep in the room, but there are showers in the building that you can use. Internet cafes are usually located nearby major train stations, so that just in case you missed the last train home for the evening, you can choose to stay there for the night.

I'll have to keep this place in mind if my wife ever throws me out of the house.